Society is about to "Boom" and I retired last August. Some seek retirement early, others put it off as long as possible. A basic question can be asked again. Who am I? And what kind of a world am I in.This blog will encourage individuals to explore the idea that "its more than just about the money". Retirement: Third Age New Beginnings

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Wednesday, May 30, 2012

As we grow older and become senior
citizens we tend to slow down our productivity and explore life as a retired
person. It is during this time that we contemplate our accomplishments and are
able to develop integrity if we see ourselves as leading a successful life. If
we see our life as unproductive, or feel that we did not accomplish our life
goals, we become dissatisfied with life and develop despair, often leading to
depression and hopelessness.

The final developmental task is
retrospection: people look back on their lives and accomplishments. They
develop feelings of contentment and integrity if they believe that they have
led a happy, productive life. They may instead develop a sense of despair if
they look back on a life of disappointments and unachieved goals.

This stage can occur out of the
sequence when an individual feels they are near the end of their life (such as
when receiving a terminal disease diagnosis).

The Importance of Social
Relationships in Old Age

While
the Baby Boomers were still young adults, Erick Erikson one of the founding
developmental psychologists in Western Society, wrote the book “Vital
Involvement in Old Age.” Now as the Boomers approach their lives as seniors and
society is rocked by their presence and the the effects of “Aging Society” it
is important for us all and particularly our senior citizens to sit back and
take look at their lives. Erikson claimed that the central factor for seniors
is the achievement of wisdom.
Failing that he suggested an alternative live flow dominated by despair.

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Art With Wrinkles

Retirement Workshop

This workshop is designed for persons who are considering retirement or have already retired.While financial security is critical for retirement satisfaction and success, identity and social relationships are equally important. Retirement affects people differently. On the positive side it can mean new goals, interests, and activities. On the other end it can mean heavy stress, physical deterioration and depression.

This four-hour workshop helps participants explore attitudes and feelings about the social aspects of retirement. I am looking for organizations, either businesses or not for profit organizations that would like to sponsor this workshop.

About Me

I am a 74-year-old academic who resisted mandatory retirement for three years until the government decided to give human rights to people over the age of 65.
Over the last ten years my special interest has been aging and society. I have designed a course, Aging, which explores social relationships in later adulthood. I also conducted research on ageism in British Columbia.
This blog has been created with the assumption that while having a sufficient source of continuing income is needed, family connections, community and social involvement are equally important for a successful retirement.
This blog gives others a chance to share their stories.